Ancient Sands scored a ready victory under Paul Townend in the Tayto Group Handicap Hurdle over two miles at Down Royal.

The five-year-old gelding was stepping up on a third-placed finish in Bellewstown eight days ago and his handler was confident this evening.

“I thought he might win. He ran very well in Bellewstown. I’m glad for the owners (David Mee) who are super owners and have had horses for years,” Joanna Morgan said.

“He’s been knocking on the door and likes that ground. He won a nursery here. He likes it here so I like it here!”

The 5/1 shot was seen travelling well coming to the third last. He led at the second last and was pushed out by Townend for a six-lengths decision. City Line (9/1) could make no impression from the final flight and came in second while it was three and a quarter lengths back to Four Wives in third at 7/1. Annakrista the 4/1 favourite, finished tailed off in 13th.